Yesterday we had an operating night on the C&DR, with three Dutch Group members visiting, Bert van Rhijn, Marco Balk and Rob Reinders. Bert brought a new kitbashed train consisting of a heavily modified Peco Jeanette, three open wagons on Parkside T&D chassis, and a brake van made from Ratio coach sides:
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The operating session with four operators was a steep learning curve, most of all for my guests who had to learn the controls, but also for me as I had to combine the roles of a dispatcher and back-up for the inevitable switchboard problems.
Here Marco is the engine driver and Bert operates the Dunalistair switchboard:
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Rob Reinders was banished outside the 'theater' to drive the second train - space inside the layout was too limited for three operators. I had to duck inside and outside when necessary...
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Despite the restricted space it was great fun - especially when I set off a laugh box on the computer to divert attention (remembering a similar device described on John Allen's G&D!).
Looks like an excellent fun session! Relieved to see that Dunalistair survived the trip home from Sparsholt and has been reunited with the rest of the railway!
Mick
The loco and wagon set looks very nice Ted, well done to the maker.
It looks as though a thoroughly good time was had by all your visitors.
Kind regards,
BrianT.
Thanks, Brian & Mick. It was a good night's operating indeed.
Here are some photos taken by Rob Reinders.
The train made by Bert van Rhijn leaving Dunalistair:
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Coal traffic at Inverlochan:
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Bert and Marco operating the layout, with yours truly looking on:
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The goods yard at Rae Bridge waiting for the next train:
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This is the first layout I have seen as I have just managed to gain access to the forum and it is inspirational. Well done everybody.
Quote from: Roland Hames on May 22, 2016, 13:34
This is the first layout I have seen as I have just managed to gain access to the forum and it is inspirational. Well done everybody.
Welcome to the forum... Yes, it's a brilliant layout, isn't it? And Ted is a master at the craft.